For those of you who frequent the FlyerTalk chat, you might understand the title. If not, read on...
I’m still very jetlagged and tired, so this will not be a full-length trip report. I’m going to try the format that is used in the magazine Business Traveler (which I read on the LHR-BOS segment).
This trip was booked as a UA MP First Class award. The money saved would go towards the pricey hotel.
BOS-LHR UA
First Impression: Despite the ugly traffic going to Logan, my g’f and I opted for a cab instead of the T, which can be a real pain if you have luggage. We were hassled from the traffic, but the United First desk was a nice oasis. The extremely friendly agent processed our paperwork and sent our baggage to London. We relaxed in the lounge as time passed until boarding. We were slightly delayed due to the ever-present weather problems, but the delay wasn’t memorable.
Boarding: Typical easy United boarding. We boarded early when First was called and settled into our seats. I rarely, if ever, drink alcohol on flights, but this was a vacation, so we enjoyed some champagne. The 767 doesn’t have a second boarding door, so I in the aisle seat got knocked several times by carry-on bags and kitchen sinks as coach passengers passed. After the traditional tour of Logan airport on the way to the runway, we took-off bound for the UK.
Seat Comfort: The 767 First Class seat is the same as the ones on the 744 (non-First Suite) aircraft. When it was time to sleep, the seat reclines to a nice level, and the legrest is good, but, alas, this is no First Suite, and unless it’s a First Sweet/equivalent, I can’t really sleep. But I comfortably snoozed to London.
The Flight: The service was very good. Typical United First Class meal service, although the flight attendant modified the service if the pax wished to speed up the service, so we could enjoy a quick multi-course meal instead of the express option. The crew was excellent, and roamed the cabin throughout the short night.
Arrival: We landed and dealt with the customs formalities and enjoyed the excellent, refreshing, relaxing United Arrivals Lounge. After showering and relaxing, we took the Heathrow Express to Brown’s Hotel. We checked in at the beautiful hotel’s small lobby, and was requested to come back later. We ate a little more in the café, and toured the city. We returned and were escorted to our beautiful room.
Summary: United First can be hit or miss, and this flight was about as good as could be expected. The very short hop means that the crew can’t offer the finest in service, but the flight attendant was excellent in accommodating a shorter multi-course meal. Way to go UA!
We both love London, and we were never short of activities. On Wednesday, the middle of the trip, we decided to take a relaxing day of starting slow in the morning, hanging out in a park, etc, instead of touring and playing tourist. We decided to have tea in the famous Browns Hotel tea. My g’f and I enjoyed the tea and the assorted foods that accompany it. While it is the same tea and food we eat each morning at breakfast, it was impressively presented and was an event. Afterwards, my fiancée and I continued to enjoy the lovely city.
Today’s return came all to quickly. The flight was very similar to the first.
LHR-BOS UA
First Impression: We again took the Heathrow Express back to Heathrow. Check-in was fast, and soon we were relaxing at the lounge.
Boarding: Again, we’re on holiday, so I enjoyed champagne while we settled in. My fiancée opted for the aisle this time, so my head was not injured during boarding.
We were a few minutes late, no big deal.
The Flight: Again, the service was as good as United can offer. Since this is a day-time flight and sleeping is not an issue (and for me, working is not an issue), we opted for the full meal service, which filled the flight time nicely. I was “forced” not to take the laptop and not to do any work this trip, so I enjoyed the entertainment options.
Arrival: We had a beautiful decent over the beautiful Boston Harbor. Great view of some of the tall-ships in for tomorrow’s Sail Boston 2000. We were the first off the plane, and the line at passport control wasn’t too bad, nor was the wait at baggage claim. Soon enough we were in a cab and headed home.
Summary: Again a great United flight. It was a perfect end to a very special, perfect trip, that will long be remembered.
I hope you don’t mind the express-type trip report more than the usual play-by-play trip report, but, again, I’m far too tired to spend an hour writing a trip report. If you guys don’t mind this summary-type, I might do it more often. It took my only fifteen minutes, not an hour.
Thanks for reading. Time to catch up on the boards!